"We have had quite a number of fires being lit, which is unfortunate," says Mr Mulligan.

"It does make it easier for prospectors to swing their metal detector, when they burn the spinifex out, but they need to appreciate that it's also cattle feed.

"There's also a fairly high risk to cattle, to people, to fences and other pastoral infrastructure."

While it's difficult to catch someone in the act of lighting an illegal fire, Mr Mulligan says he has been keeping close tabs on prospectors and there is one alleged case of illegal mining before the court currently.

For the most part though, prospectors have been abiding by the rules and keeping their fingers crossed for a lucky find.

Lynnie Pedemonte and her husband are visiting Marble Bar from Port Lincoln in South Australia.